Crochet tote bags are the perfect balance of fashion and function. They’re lightweight, reusable, and customizable in endless ways—whether you’re heading to the market, the beach, or just want a stylish handmade accessory. Among all crochet stitch patterns, the shell stitch stands out as a favorite. It’s beautiful, textured, and surprisingly easy to master, making it perfect for tote bags.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 5 different crochet tote bag patterns using the shell stitch. Each tutorial includes a full material list, skill level, finished size, detailed step-by-step pattern, tips, variations, and finishing instructions—so whether you’re a beginner or more advanced crocheter, you’ll be able to follow along.
1. Classic Shell Stitch Tote Bag
Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate (basic stitches, simple shaping, seaming)
Finished Size: About 14″ wide × 12″ tall (without straps); adjustable by changing yarn/hook size
Materials:
- Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn: 350–400g (choose one solid color or 2 contrasting shades)
- Crochet hook: 4.0 mm (G) or 4.5 mm (H)
- Yarn needle, scissors
- Optional: fabric lining for added durability, magnetic snap or button closure
Notes:
- Worked flat in two panels (front and back).
- Shell stitch pattern: (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in same stitch creates one shell cluster.
- Gauge is not crucial, but keep tension even.
Instructions
Front Panel (make 1):
- Ch 45 (multiple of 6 + 3).
- Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, sk 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, sk 2 ch, dc in next ch. Repeat across. Turn.
- Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 5 dc in center dc of previous shell, dc in next dc. Repeat across. Turn.
- Repeat Row 2 until panel measures 12″ tall. Fasten off.
Back Panel: Work same as front.
Assembly:
- Place panels RS together. Seam sides and bottom using whip stitch or sc seam. Turn RS out.
Straps:
- Join yarn at top edge. Ch 70 (or length preferred). Sl st into opposite top edge.
- Work sc across strap for 2–3 rows to thicken. Repeat for second strap.
Finishing:
- Work 2 rounds of sc across top edge for strength.
- Optional: Sew in a cotton lining to prevent stretching.
Tip: Use striped yarn or alternate rows of different colors to make the shells pop.
2. Ombre Shell Stitch Market Tote
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Finished Size: 15″ wide × 14″ tall
Materials:
- Ombre cotton yarn cake (400g) in worsted or DK weight
- Crochet hook: 4.5 mm (7)
- Yarn needle, scissors
Notes:
- This bag is worked in the round from the base up.
- Ombre yarn creates natural gradient color changes without switching skeins.
- Make straps longer for a crossbody style.
Instructions
Base:
- Ch 41.
- Round 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. Rotate, sc along opposite side of chain to form oval. (80+ sts)
- Continue sc rounds, increasing at ends to maintain oval shape, until base measures 4″ wide.
Body:
- Switch to shell stitch: dc in next st, sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2. Repeat around. Join.
- Continue working in rounds until body measures 14″ tall.
Straps:
- Mark 6″ apart on each side for strap placement.
- Ch 60, attach to opposite side, sc back along chain for thickness.
- Repeat for second strap.
Finishing:
- Work 2 rounds sc along top edge.
- Block gently if shells curl.
Tip: Use a cotton yarn blend for more stretch and flexibility, or pure cotton for strength.
3. Shell Stitch Beach Tote Bag
Skill Level: Intermediate (round base, shell pattern in the round)
Finished Size: 18″ wide × 15″ tall (large size)
Materials:
- Bulky cotton yarn (#5): about 500g
- Crochet hook: 6.0 mm (J)
- Yarn needle, scissors
Notes:
- Designed as a big, sturdy bag for beach or market use.
- Thick yarn ensures fast progress and strength.
Instructions
Round Base:
- Ch 4, sl st to form ring.
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring. Join. (12 dc)
- Round 2: 2 dc in each st around. (24 dc)
- Round 3: 1 dc, 2 dc in next. Repeat. (36 dc)
- Continue increase rounds until base measures 12″ diameter.
Body:
- Begin shell stitch: (5 dc in one st, sk 2, dc in next). Repeat around.
- Continue working even in shell pattern until 15″ tall.
Straps:
- Ch 80 for long shoulder straps. Attach 5″ apart on both sides.
- Reinforce by working 2–3 rows of sc.
Top Edge:
- Work 2 rounds crab stitch (reverse sc) for a neat, strong edge.
Tip: Double-strand the yarn if carrying very heavy items.
4. Mini Shell Stitch Tote Bag (Lace Style)
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Size: 9″ wide × 8″ tall (small handbag size)
Materials:
- Sport weight yarn (#2) in pastel shades: 150g
- Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (E)
- Yarn needle, scissors
- Optional: satin ribbon for decoration, fabric lining
Notes:
- Worked flat in two panels, then seamed.
- Lace look makes it perfect as a gift or child’s bag.
Instructions
Panels (make 2):
- Ch 41.
- Row 1: Dc in 4th ch, sk 2, 5 dc in next, sk 2, dc in next. Repeat across.
- Row 2: Ch 3, 5 dc in center dc of shell below, dc in next dc. Repeat.
- Continue until piece measures 8″ tall.
Assembly:
- Seam sides and bottom with whip stitch.
Handles:
- Ch 50. Attach to top corners.
- Work 1–2 sc rows for stability.
Finishing:
- Optional: weave ribbon through top row of shells.
- Block lightly to open up lace pattern.
Tip: Add a snap or button closure to keep items secure.
5. Yellow Scallop Shell Tote Bag
Skill Level: Intermediate (consistent stitch tension + folding technique)
Finished Size: 14″ wide × 13″ tall
Materials:
- DK weight cotton yarn (#3): 300g in bright yellow
- Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (E)
- Yarn needle, scissors
Notes:
- Worked as one long rectangle, then folded and seamed.
- Scallop shells give a wave-like textured effect.
Instructions
Body (one piece):
- Ch 55.
- Row 1: Dc in 4th ch, sk 2, 5 dc in next, sk 2, dc in next. Repeat.
- Row 2: Ch 3, shell in shell, dc in next dc. Repeat.
- Continue until fabric measures 26″ tall.
Folding + Assembly:
- Fold in half to form 13″ × 14″ rectangle.
- Seam sides with sc or whip stitch.
Handles:
- Join yarn at top corner. Ch 60, sl st to opposite side.
- Work 2 rows sc along strap for strength.
- Repeat second strap.
Top Edge:
- Work 1–2 rounds sc for a firm finish.
Tip: Use bright summer shades—yellow, coral, aqua—for a beachy look.
Conclusion
The shell stitch tote bag is one of the most versatile crochet projects you can try. With just one stitch pattern, you can create completely different looks depending on your yarn choice, size, and strap design. From the sturdy beach tote to the delicate lace mini bag, each project in this guide gives you the chance to practice the shell stitch while creating something stylish and practical.
If you’re new to making bags, start with the Classic Shell Stitch Tote, then move on to the Ombre Market Tote or Yellow Scallop Bag for more variety. For gifts, the Mini Lace Tote works beautifully with ribbon accents. And if you want a statement piece for summer, the Beach Tote is both functional and eye-catching.
Grab your yarn and hook, follow the step-by-step guides, and enjoy watching your tote bag take shape. With these five patterns, you’ll be able to create your own collection of handmade crochet totes that are as beautiful as they are useful.
